The first step to a flawless makeup look is a flawless skincare routine. While we can’t prevent every blemish, by taking care of your skin you can form the ideal canvas for your artistic and glam makeup looks. On of the most important steps to a flawless skincare routine is moisturization. Moisturizer hydrates and plumps the skin so that you have an even surface to lay foundation and other makeup. 

The team at Nuest has researched several moisturizers that we believe to be top of the market in natural skincare. We’ve chosen the best vegan and cruelty-free moisturizers on the market to use before applying our range of makeup products. Each of these moisturizers are available on Amazon for $35 or less, and are listed in price from lowest to highest:

Alba Botanica Acnedote Oil Control Lotion

Alba Botanica is an acne and breakout prevention moisturizer formulated for normal to oily skin. It is oil free, containing a 2% salicylic acid solution that reduces oil and sebum buildup under the skin. Plus, Alba Botanica’s Oil Control Lotion is free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. It is 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free. One Verified Amazon Purchaser said about Alba Botanica Acnedote Oil Control Lotion:

“This is my go-to moisturizer. I've been using it for about 6 years, give or take. It isn't greasy feeling at all. It absorbs nicely into the skin giving a soft finish on days when I don't feel like wearing makeup. I personally love the added salicylic acid in it because even at 28 I still get pimples. It's just enough to help keep them at bay. I've tried other moisturizers with salicylic acid in them that have left my skin dry and damaged, but not this one.”

Beauty Without Cruelty Skin Renewal Moisturizing Lotion

Beauty Without Cruelty is one of our favorite brands due to their cruelty-free and vegan mission in the beauty industry. It aligns with our goal to provide eco-conscious beauty products that still serve our customers’ needs. Their Renewal Moisturizing Lotion helps to revitalize the complexion with a natural, paraben-free formula. One Amazon reviewer said about Beauty Without Cruelty:

“I am a huge skincare junkie and in general love this brand. Even with my oily skin this can be used twice a day easily. I like the simple ingredients and the fact that it isn’t scented.”

The Body Shop Tea Tree Mattifying Lotion

Tea tree oil is universally used to fight acne-causing bacteria on the skin. The Body SHop’s unique tea tree moisturizing formula is perfect for daytime use. It energizes the skin while fighting harmful bacteria. And, best of all, this lightweight formula doesn’t clog the pores and can be used with a primer for best results under makeup. One Amazon reviewer said: 

“Not shiny after 5 hours of hiking in New Hampshire (very humid there)! This stuff is AMAZING! My face was always very shiny, even when I used a different mattifying moisturizer. I live in an area where the humidity is very high and my face never gets shiny with this stuff. Highly recommend!!”

Mad Hippie Face Cream with Anti Wrinkle Peptide Complex

Mad Hippie is a very popular skincare brand that is dedicated to natural beauty. Their Anti Wrinkle Peptide Complex helps to plump the skin, fight free radicals, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Mad Hippie Face Cream is free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, SLS and other synthetic additives. One Amazon reviewer raves:

“This face cream is fantastic!! I've been using the Mad Hippie product for over a year and I can honestly say my skin is better for it. The face lotion leaves my face feeling smooth & soft. It is not greasy or heavily scented. I use this in combination with the Mad Hippie cream cleanser and the Vitamin C serum (during the day) and the Vitamin A Serum or Exfoliating Serum (at night). My skin is firmer and smoother with fewer fine lines. All of their products are gentle on my skin. This is the best skincare product I have used and is reasonably priced.I feel confident in the natural, high-quality ingredients that they use and recommend everything in their skincare line”.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

While the most expensive on this list, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is one of the highest-rated moisturizing creams on Amazon under the natural beauty category. This lightweight formula helps to reduce redness, dryness, and skin dehydration. This formula is proven to increase the skin’s hydration by over 160% immediately after application. Colloidal oatmeal and shea butter help to lock in moisture and nutrients while providing relief for irritated skin. One Amazon Verified Purchaser offered this testimonial:

“I absolutely love this cream. Was a little hesitant at first because I have never heard of this brand before, but thought I’d give it a shot because of all the good reviews. First of all, this cream has an amazing texture. It’s like the smoothest, softest “whipped cream” - just feels heavenly when you apply it. My face has been really dry and red, and I’ve been applying this cream every day. Within a week, skin feels softer and renewed. Not perfect, but definitely a noticeable, softer difference!”

Let us know on social which of these cruelty-free and vegan moisturizers go best with your Nuest Cosmetics makeup looks! We want to know which you find best for achieving flawless skin with or without makeup.